The oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to corresponding carbonyl compounds is an important functional group conversion, which is mainly achieved by catalyst. The importance of eliminating waste production and development of green process using eco-friendly oxidants to oxidize alcohols attracts much research interests. The research progress in the catalytic oxidation of alcohols using eco-friendly ox-idants such as oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and acetone since 2000 was reviewed. At the same time, the characteristics of different methods were summarized. The development trend of green catalytic oxidation of alcohols was presented.